A new study predicts that Apple will become the leading global PC provider by the second half of 2012.

Canalys, an independent analyst house that offers smart market insights to IT, expects Apple to surpass Hewlett-Packard to become the top global PC vendor before the second half of 2012 with help from the iPad 3.

"Apple has seen its PC market share expand from 9 percent to 15 percent in just four quarters, though iPad shipments in its core market -- the United States -- are likely to come under pressure in Q4 due to the launch of the Fire and Nook at extremely competitive price points," said Tim Coulling, Canalys analyst. "HP and Apple will fight for top position in Q4, but Apple may have to wait for the release of iPad 3 before it passes HP."

Apple iPad 2

According to Canalys' predictions, Apple has already made its way into the No. 2 spot in the worldwide PC market in Q3 2011 largely due to the success of the iPad. Canalys expects full-year 2011 global PC shipments to hit 415 million mainly due to heightened iPad sales.

In addition, iPad shipments are expected to hit 59 million units by the end of 2011 with Q4 accounting for 22 million alone.

Canalys predicts that North America PC shipments will reach 103 million for 2011 entirely, with 32 million units accounting for Q4 alone. The popularity of pads has increased 2011 volumes, growing 18 percent year-on-year. The EMEA PC market, however, will contract 6 percent at an annual rate (excluding pads).

Apple MacBook Air

The study also noted that netbooks have helped with 2011 PC growth, with shipments expected to reach 211 million with a 10 percent year-on-year increase. Ultrabooks, on the other hand, need a significant price drop in order to increase adoption.

Canalys says Apple's domination is due to competitor's inability to "produce comparable devices at attractive prices."